Gatti Blog

If thinking of all your New Year's resolutions is keeping you up at night, you're not alone. Insomnia is a common problem. Defined as trouble falling or staying asleep, it can cause trouble during the day too. Some conditions that cause or worsen insomnia are depression, anxiety, allergies, and pain. Poor sleep habits can also cause or worsen insomnia.

Adults often try over-the-counter or prescription medications to help with sleep. But, before reaching for that medication, look for the cause of the insomnia. A good way to start is by keeping a sleep diary for one to two weeks. Keep track of alcohol and caffeine consumption, as well as sleep times. This diary may provide you with ideas on adjustments you can make. Good sleep habits, also referred to as sleep hygiene, may help you avoid medications. For kids, a regular sleep schedule and a calming bedtime routine can be helpful.

If adopting these sleep habits doesn’t help your insomnia, talk to your pharmacist or other healthcare provider. He or she will need to figure out the cause of your insomnia; a medication may be recommended. Even if using a medication for sleep, the above sleep habits should still be used.